As demand for advanced energy solutions grows in every segment of the supply chain, the Material Handling Industry (MHI) announced the formation of a new industry group, the Advanced Energy Council (AEC). A collaboration of about 15 inaugural members, such as forklift and battery manufacturers, the AEC has set a mission to educate and inform end users of modern technologies like lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells and their accessories. In this push, the AEC wants to both clear up any misconceptions about these types of energy sources, as well as help better define what exactly these new options have to offer. While newly formed, the group is holding one of their first meetings at this month’s ProMat meeting in Chicago.
On the agenda will be plans to create common terminology surrounding advanced energy solutions so that the industry can coalesce around unified messaging. The AEC will also establish best practices for these modern energy sources. In addition, the group will plan to better define all the benefits that come from swapping out old battery technologies—such as lead acid—with new versions, like lithium-ion. In addition to being safer to use, the batteries can also provide cost reductions, something many end users don’t realize. Finally, the AEC will work to monitor legislation targeted at the advanced energy solutions so that the members can better inform end users on its impact. All told, through its efforts, the AEC hopes to serve as a guide to the industry, and ultimately the end customer.
MHI Forms AEC Group
